The cordial relationship between the executive and legislature may soon end as the two arms may be on a collision course over continued retention of service chiefs.
This is because president Muhammadu Buhari has continued to stick to his belief that they are doing their best despite rising insecurity in the polity.
The rising insecurity, coupled with political and social tension in the country is impacting negatively on productivity with lives and livelihood threatened.
Besides, some analysts say the current insecurity is driving investors away, a development that is against what the government claims to stand for.
“It us either, the president, a general for that matter knows what we the citizens do not know about these service chiefs and security of the nation or something must be happening. But even at that what we are witnessing do not support the claimed knowledge by the president.
” Again, does that mean he is the only person who knows and appreciates the insecurity situation in the country or what, while others that contested elections with him or his advisers, who are in some cases, military men, with their experience know nothing except the president?”, says security expert, who pleaded anonymity.
Specifically, the Senate on Tuesday called on the Service Chiefs to step aside over the deteriorating security situation in the country.
This formed part of resolutions of the Senate sequel to the consideration of motion drawing attention to the rising number of casualties among the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies.
The demand for the resignation of the Service Chiefs was put forward in a proposed amendment to the resolutions of the Senate moved by Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (PDP – Osun East); and seconded by Betty Apiafi (PDP – Rivers West).
The upper chamber also urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to as a matter of urgency, provide modern equipments to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
Sponsor of the original motion, Senator Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South), while coming under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, noted with concern the various reports of casualties among the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
According to the lawmaker, twenty-four soldiers were recently ambushed and killed along damboa-Maiduguri in Borno State, with nineteen wounded and nine declared missing in action.
“The Senate is disturbed that in Katsina again about 20 soldiers were also ambushed and killed while several others were wounded.
“The Senate appreciates the sacrifices of our armed forces in the fight against insurgency, banditry and protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“The Senate is concerned that if the trend continues, it will have serious implication on the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country,” Ndume added.
Accordingly, the Upper Chamber after holding a minute silence for the fallen soldiers, mandated the joint Committees on Army; Airforce; Navy; National Security and Nigeria Police to receive briefing on the state of affairs of the services in this regard.
President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in his concluding remarks while condoling the families of slain soldiers, charged the Senate Joint Committees to investigate alleged desertion of the army by soldiers at the war front.
He said, “the spirit of this motion is that our armed forces are trying very hard, but just like the President said, their good is not good enough.
The demand for the resignation of the Service Chiefs was put forward in a proposed amendment to the resolutions of the Senate moved by Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (PDP – Osun East); and seconded by Betty Apiafi (PDP – Rivers West).
The upper chamber also urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to as a matter of urgency, provide modern equipments to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
Sponsor of the original motion, Senator Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South), while coming under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, noted with concern the various reports of casualties among the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
According to the lawmaker, twenty-four soldiers were recently ambushed and killed along damboa-Maiduguri in Borno State, with nineteen wounded and nine declared missing in action.
“The Senate is disturbed that in Katsina again about 20 soldiers were also ambushed and killed while several others were wounded.
“The Senate appreciates the sacrifices of our armed forces in the fight against insurgency, banditry and protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“The Senate is concerned that if the trend continues, it will have serious implication on the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country,” Ndume added.
Accordingly, the Upper Chamber after holding a minute silence for the fallen soldiers, mandated the joint Committees on Army; Airforce; Navy; National Security and Nigeria Police to receive briefing on the state of affairs of the services in this regard.
President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in his concluding remarks while condoling the families of slain soldiers, charged the Senate Joint Committees to investigate alleged desertion of the army by soldiers at the war front.
He said, “the spirit of this motion is that our armed forces are trying very hard, but just like the President said, their good is not good enough.
But, reacting to the resolution of the upper legislative chamber, Buhari’s Spokesman, Femi Adesina on his Twitter page said the appointment of the service chiefs was a presidential prerogative.
Adesina added that the Commander-in-Chief had taken note of the resolution of the senate and will do his best for the country at all times.
The post reads: “ Buhari notes the resolution of the Senate asking Service Chiefs to resign or be sacked.
“The Presidency reiterates that appointment or sack of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative, and the Commander-in-Chief will do the best for the country at all times
Adesina added that the Commander-in-Chief had taken note of the resolution of the senate and will do his best for the country at all times.
The post reads: “ Buhari notes the resolution of the Senate asking Service Chiefs to resign or be sacked.
“The Presidency reiterates that appointment or sack of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative, and the Commander-in-Chief will do the best for the country at all times
But some analysts say the fragile cordial relationship will soon come to an end as the two arms, with leaders from the same party seem to be on different pages on the same matter.
